Bill Chambers Obituary

Bill Chambers
October 31, 1934 - October 18, 2022
Folsom, California - William Sarto Chambers, Jr., 87, passed away on October 18, 2022. He is survived by his wife Jan French, daughters Kathe Goodwin (David) and Kris Backus (Dave), son Mike Chambers, daughter-in-law Donna Chambers, stepdaughter Sam French, grandson Matt Goodwin, step-granddaughters Jennifer Roullett and Samantha Bunch (Cody) and step-great-grandchildren Alisha Dodson, Alyssa Lohbeck, Bella Roullett, and Slater, Zoey and Carter Bunch.
Dad was born in Tucson, Arizona, the only child of William Sarto Chambers, Sr. and Alice Packar. After moving to Sacramento in 1947, he attended Christian Brothers High School, graduating in 1952. He then attended Santa Clara University, graduating in 1956 with a B.S. in English. Though drawn to journalism, he discovered a love of teaching. He obtained his M.A. in Modern European History and community college teaching credential at UC Berkeley in 1958. His teaching career began in 1958 at Oakland High School and continued for the next 8 years in Sacramento at Highlands High and Foothill High.
In 1968 he obtained a position as a college professor at Sacramento City College, and in 1970 was hired at American River College, where he was a popular history professor until his retirement in 1993.
Dad loved sports, especially baseball. He coached Carmichael League softball teams and Del Campo League baseball teams. He was a big fan of the Cleveland Indians, but gave his heart to the Oakland A's, attending many games in Oakland and in Phoenix for spring training. Dad also loved the 49ers, and took many trips to San Francisco for games, and cheered them on from home with the gang at the 49ers Chili Nights.
But golf was his true love and passion. After retirement Dad could be found on the golf course with his buddies two to three times a week. He played golf almost everywhere he and Jan traveled, including Pebble Beach, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia, Scotland, Cairo, Kenya and Alaska. He was proud to have achieved 6 holes-in-one in his golf career. He was an active member of Indian Creek Men's Golf Club and organized the Calistoga Way and CBS Class of '52 golf tournaments for decades.
He kept up friendships from school days at Christian Brothers and SCU and was active in the LaSalle Club and the "Over-The-Hill-Gang". He was a loyal friend to many and always kept in touch with a phone call or email.
To us, Dad was simply the best dad. He supported us and encouraged us all our lives. We will all miss our annual Christmas Eve dinners at Hop Sing's with Papa Bill, and we'll always think of him when sharing a glass of Chardonnay or Jack & Coke.
Dad was interred in a private family service at Calvary Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life for him at a later date. We hope you will join us to share some memories. To be notified of the details of this event, please email [email protected].

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Nov. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Chambers

7 Entries

Chris Padgett

November 10, 2023

I was greatly saddened to hear belatedly of Bill´s passing. He was a mentor to me, and a formative influence, having provided me with my first student teaching opportunity in the spring, 1987, inaugurating what has become a 36-year (and counting) teaching career, and for the last 25 at American River College. Much of what I first learned about being a community college history professor I learned from Bill. He was an exceptional educator, and as chair, the leader of an outstanding history department. He was a fine man, and a friend, and, because he took a chance on a rookie teacher, I will always cherish our time together "talking shop" in his Davies Hall corner office. My sincere condolences and heartfelt best wishes go out to Bill´s family.
Chris Padgett

Dick Castro

November 22, 2022

My condolences to the family.
Dick Castro CBS class of 52

Eric Freund

November 9, 2022

Mike (and family), I finished reading the obituary on your father and I´m so sorry for your loss. What a great life he had, and a wonderful father too. If you think about him, and tell stories about him, he will alway live within you. That´s the greatest honor of all. My thoughts are with you and your family. All my love.

Dawna Cody Dutra

November 7, 2022

Such a special man. He was deeply loved by the Class of 1963

Paul Llano

November 6, 2022

I 'd like to extend my sympathy to your family for Mr. Chambers' passing. I was a California History student of his at A.R.C. around 1977 /1978 and fondly recall his unique teaching abilities. He was one of those gifted instructors who could bring subject matter to life with his rich descriptive and interesting stories. My lifelong interest in history was fostered by his class.
I recall Kathe being one class behind me at La Sierra High School. Wishing your family peace during this difficult time.

Georgia

November 6, 2022

I did not know him but he raised a great son, speems to have his character.

Shirlene Lansdon

November 6, 2022

Mr. Chambers was my favorite teacher at Highlands High School. He often attended our class of 63 reunions and we enjoyed catching up with him. He also played in our annual Highlands/Foothill alumni golf tournament of recent years. Mr. Chambers was always good natured and patient with me on the golf course, since he played in our foursome. I will always treasure his sense of humor, and supportive ways, whether teaching or golfing. I am thankful for his friendship and a great man will be missed.
Shirlene Lansdon, Class of 63

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